It may be round five in the AFL Women’s competition but for GIANTS forward Louise Stephenson it’s round one. 

After six weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury, the priority signing has been named to make her AFLW debut against Melbourne on Friday at Blacktown International SportsPark.

The 176cm Melbourne University product hasn’t played since tearing her medial collateral ligament in the GIANTS practice match against Brisbane on January 23^rd. 

“It’s been really challenging mentally and physically for me living with girls that are playing with the team and not being able to fly up to Brisbane or down to Melbourne with the team,” she said.

“It’s quite surreal being up here and not playing a game yet. 

“I couldn’t be more excited, I’m over the moon that I’m playing this week.”

Stephenson, who lives with some of the GIANTS interstate players in a duplex in Condell Park, said the support of her team-mates and the club had been exceptional. 

Support that she may call on come Friday afternoon. 

“I’ve never really been this nervous for a game before, even grand finals,” Stephenson said. 

“There will be plenty of nerves on the day I’m sure but the girls will get me through it.” 

The 21-year-old said her team-mates haven’t just provided her with support but also inspiration. 

“It’s been interesting just sitting back and watching rather than just being on the field, I’ve actually learned quite a bit,” she said. 

“I think the girls have put in so much effort and that determination has really spurred me on to play to the best of my ability."